Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with Isao Iijima, special advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Phuc said he and the Japanese Prime Minister have regular contacts to boost bilateral relationship in all fields. He added the Japanese cherry blossom festival being underway in Vietnam is a big cultural event to help increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The guest said the Japanese cherry blossom festival has been held in Vietnam for the 6^th year and that Japan is impressed by Vietnam’s close coordination for making the event possible. Two goodwill cherry blossom Ambassadors, who are Vietnamese nationals, have been chosen by the Japan Cheery Blossom Association to help bolster cultural exchanges between the two countries. Mr. Iijima also said he hopes the two countries’ business communities will forge close ties.